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Last year’s simply pink, truly Teal Run for breast and ovarian cancer brought in about 300 participants; this year, they are hoping for 400. The event is set to take place this Saturday, May 11 at 9 a.m. in the Detroit Lakes City Park. Submitted Photo

entertainment The fight continues for local women determined to one day conquer the cancers that plague their friends and families.
The Simply Pink Truly Teal run for breast and ovarian cancer is next weekend, once again aptly scheduled for Mother’s Day weekend.
The third annual 5K walk/run and 10K is set...
Detroit Lakes, 56501

Detroit Lakes Minnesota 511 Washington Avenue 56501

2013-05-05 08:03:15

The fight continues for local women determined to one day conquer the cancers that plague their friends and families.

The Simply Pink Truly Teal run for breast and ovarian cancer is next weekend, once again aptly scheduled for Mother’s Day weekend.

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The third annual 5K walk/run and 10K is set for Saturday, May 11, starting at 9 a.m. in the Detroit Lakes City Park.

Event founders Jessica Peterson and Jenny Lessman continue to coordinate the event, which they say is growing.

“We had about 300 participants in 2012, this year we are hoping and planning for 400,” said Peterson. “The majority of participants run the event, but we do have several that walk — however people choose to participate is fine with us.

“Just getting them out to the event is our goal.”

Peterson says they have several people from their group of friends, families and throughout the community who volunteer to help put this event on, including more than 20 members of the Detroit Lakes High School cross country and track team.

“Local businesses have been a huge help with many donating or offering items at a discount to our race,” said Peterson.

“Everything from cups, water and food for participants, tent set-up, garbage pick-up and of course monetary donations to help with the costs.”

She adds that the event is designed to honor and celebrate any woman who has been affected by breast or ovarian cancer and to bring awareness to the community. It’s an awareness that hit close to home for Peterson and Lessman as their mothers are both breast or ovarian cancer survivors.

“We know the ups and downs of the cancer process. We would like to help local women survive cancer by supporting them any way we can,” said Peterson, who added that the proceeds from the event will go to the Sanford Embrace program.

She says the program brings together cancer patients, family members and caregivers to help address the emotional, physical and financial effects of cancer patients and their families.

“We hope and pray a cure is just around the corner,” said Peterson. “In the meantime, we strive to help those already affected so they can live the best life possible while traveling thru their cancer journey.”

Dr. Shelby Terstriep, an oncologist who specializes in cancer survivorship at the Roger Maris Cancer Center in Fargo is the medical director for Embrace. She will be on hand to speak before the event, as will honorary speaker Cassie Zacharias.

“Cassie has participated in our race the past two years,” said Peterson. “Shortly after last year’s race she was diagnosed with breast cancer.”

Zacharias is set to share her experience with her struggles through the disease before participants begin the run/walk meant to help fight it.

Those interested in participating in the event can show up to register either Friday, May 10, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. or the morning of the race from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.

The cost is $25; all participants will receive a Simply Pink Truly Teal fleece blanket and refreshments after the race.

The event is being timed by Pickle Events for awards that will be handed out in different categories, as well as overall awards.